Author: Hithaishi CB

Business operations under the new structure will begin on April 1, 2026 Sumitomo Chemical announces that, as part of the Company’s ongoing efforts to further strengthen its crop protection business operations in Europe, it has decided to reorganize its group companies in France. Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe S.A.S. (“SCAE”), Sumitomo Chemical’s subsidiary, will absorb Philagro Holding S.A., a French subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, as well as Philagro France S.A.S., Philagro Holding’s subsidiary. SCAE overseas the Sumitomo Chemical Group’s crop protection business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and also develops and sells crop protection products and agricultural materials in…

Introducing Outcomes of Cooperation Toward Transforming Agri-Food Systems The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has published a policy brief titled “Developing and promoting sustainable agricultural production and natural resources management technologies: Lessons from the FAO–JIRCAS collaboration” regarding its collaboration with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS). This policy brief introduces recent research achievements by JIRCAS across its programs in environment, food, and information, and systematically summarizes the partnership with FAO. The brief describes JIRCAS as a leading Japanese agricultural research institution focusing on tropical, subtropical, and developing regions. Since the signing of a Memorandum of…

Aims to invest P1.2 billion to reinforce bankroll fertilizer assistance, accelerate area expansion, and boost farm productivity The Department of Agriculture DA is sharpening its focus on oil palm, confident that expanded plantations in Mindanao can curb imports, raise farm incomes, and strengthen the country’s edible oil supply. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. signaled plans to significantly increase funding for the fledgling sector in 2027 after this year’s proposed P1 billion allocation was slashed to just P79 million. The Department of Agriculture is now eyeing a P1.2 billion budget next year to bankroll fertilizer assistance, accelerate area expansion,…

An integrated agricultural model in Sharjah to enhance sustainable food security and advance research-driven modern farming practices The initiative, located in Al Dhaid, aligns with the vision of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and encompasses a state-of-the-art honey and therapeutic products factory, with an expected annual production of up to 120 tons. The project also includes student housing, administrative offices, meeting facilities, advanced irrigation networks, and smart agricultural technologies tailored for arid desert environments. Al Dhaid was selected for its favorable agricultural conditions, strategic location, historical significance in farming, and proximity to universities and agricultural colleges. This…

Builds on bilateral agricultural trade relation The Plant Health Unit of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), has approved the export of Taiwan-produced dragon fruit, jujubes, and lychees to the EU market. This marks another significant milestone in bilateral agricultural trade, following the successful entry of Taiwanese guavas and mangoes into the EU market last June 2025. According to EU guidance, import requirements for these items are detailed in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Taiwanese exporters must strictly comply with the relevant provisions in Annex XI of this regulation. They must also accompany shipments…

The 22nd Konya Agriculture Fair, taking place on 7–11 April 2026 in Konya, Türkiye’s agricultural capital, positions the country as a strategic trade and technology bridge for MENA’s evolving agricultural needs As water scarcity, productivity pressure and food security concerns intensify across the Middle East and North Africa, the 22nd Konya Agriculture Fair offers a solution-oriented meeting point for technology, trade and long-term cooperation. Held on 7-11 April 2026 at the Tüyap Konya International Fair Center, the event brings together regional buyers, global manufacturers, importers, and distributors seeking practical responses to structural agricultural challenges. Organized by Tüyap Konya Fairs Inc. in…

Barcelona, 5-7 May 2026 Vitafoods Europe 2026 expands with enhanced networking and new features Vitafoods Europe, the leading global event for the nutraceutical, functional food and beverage, and dietary supplement industries, returns to Barcelona, between 5-7 May 2026 with enhanced opportunities to connect and inspire – including double the dedicated networking floor space. As the show continues to grow in line with the needs of the nutraceutical industry, the 2026 edition – the show’s largest to date – will expand into a new exhibition hall, increasing total floor space by 22%. This expansion aims to provide a vibrant community platform built around…

To foster collaboration and sustainability in agrifood technology The Australian government reaffirmed its dedication to advancing agricultural innovation with a $450,000 funding boost for AgriFutures’ evokeAG, a leading agrifood technology and innovation event. This investment, announced as part of the $23.8 million Showcasing Australian Agriculture – Regional Trade Events program, supported the event over the next three years evokeAG, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, drew approximately 2,000 participants. These included farmers, producers, startups, researchers, policymakers, investors, and business leaders. The event was a hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing, aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges in the…

Focus on Kiwifruit and Pip Fruit Development India and New Zealand have taken a significant step in strengthening their horticultural partnership by holding the inaugural meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on horticulture cooperation. This development comes under the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed on 12 March 2025, signaling a focused effort to enhance bilateral ties in the agriculture sector. The JWG meeting was co-chaired by Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), representing India, and Mr. Steve Ainsworth, Divisional Manager for Bilateral Relations and Trade, who participated virtually from New…

The partnership covered approximately 13,000ha across five Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)-certified Guthrie estates in Tawau, WWF-Malaysia and SD Guthrie World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) and leading palm oil company SD Guthrie are piloting a five-year regenerative agriculture programme for palm oil in Malaysia’s Sabah district. The initiative is a pilot under WWF’s Reconnect Borneo Initiative – a regional effort to restore ecological connectivity across Borneo through a network of wildlife corridors. As part of the collaboration, the partners said they would work together to establish a wildlife corridor, strengthen biodiversity conservation and implement WWF’s global regenerative…